Bears QB Caleb Williams shuts down question about his hamstring injury grade

Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears quarterback, addressed reporters on Thursday, following his injury to the right hamstring in Week 2. The quarterback had gone down in a non-contact play during a fourth-quarter loss to the Minnesota Vikings on September 20. Early reports suggested a minor injury, but Williams later revealed it was a Grade 2 strain, with a typical recovery period of three to four weeks.

When asked about the injury's grade, Williams confirmed the team had determined it, but he declined to disclose the specific grade, stating, "We got a grade, but I wouldn’t say it’s deserved to be out there after all the false ones." He explained that the misinformation about his injury was frustrating, particularly the reports downplaying his injury.

Williams admitted to feeling a "pop" and initially being unsure about the severity. Three missed games and his own account of a torn hamstring have since made earlier jokes about his injury timing appear ill-advised.

The Chicago Bears have listed Williams as a full participant in recent practices, and head coach Ben Johnson has maintained a "week-to-week" status for the injured quarterback. Chicago has gone 2-1 without Williams, securing victories over the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets before suffering a 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers last Sunday.

Williams did not commit to facing the Atlanta Falcons this weekend and reiterated that he lacked knowledge about his participation in the upcoming game. The Bears will release their final injury report on Friday, with the New England Patriots set to face the Bears on Thursday Night Football on October 22.